Navy tattoos go back years and years. Have you ever wondered what they meant when you see them? I have. And we have some of the answers of what some of the most common Navy tattoos mean!

A swallow tattoo represents 5,000 nautical miles sailed. It can also symbolize a sailor who intends to return home.

An anchor can symbolize a trip crossing the Atlantic, the stability of an anchor, or achieving certain ranks.

Sailors often get tattoos based on the name or mascot of a ship they served on. This World War II sailor has a tattoo of a hornet based on his service on the USS Hornet aircraft carrier.

The words “hold fast” tattooed on the fingers or knuckles are a sailing tradition.

A rope tattoo, especially around the wrist, usually indicates the wearer was a deckhand on a ship.

These animals, usually tattooed on the feet or backs of the ankles, traditionally symbolize survival of a shipwreck. As both animals were often kept in wooden crates on ships, when a boat capsized, the crates would most likely be washed up on shore. Another explanation for sailors who had a pig tattooed on the left knee and a rooster on the right was, “Pig on the knee, safety at sea. A cock on the right, never lose a fight.”

As the North Star was traditionally used by sailors for navigation, a tattoo of a star usually indicates that the wearer will find their way home.

A shellback turtle tattoo meant a sailor had crossed the equator on a voyage. These were sometimes applied as part of an elaborate initiation ceremony involving paying respects to the sea god Neptune, a humiliating talent show, and a bath in salt water.

A regular dragon meant a sailor had served on a ship berthed in China. A golden dragon symbolized crossing the International Date Line.

A fully-rigged sailing ship symbolized a sailor who had gone all the way around Cape Horn. After the Suez Canal was built, few ships sailed that far south, but the tattoo is still popular.

A pair of crossed cannons signified the wearer had served as a gunner’s mate or saw naval combat.

The US Navy banned nudity in the traditional pin-up girl tattoo, sending droves of sailors back to the parlor to get tails and shell bikinis inked on their nudes.

A dagger going through a swallow signified honoring a comrade lost at sea or in battle.

An eagle tattoo symbolizes patriotism and unity during times of war. They were common during World War II.